Seeking Advice on Clan Tent Set Up at Scottish Festivals-Williamsburg

[Mael Coluim]

I need some advice from those of you who participate in Scottish Festivals. I’ve received the approval from the President of the Clan MacCallum Malcolm Society to host our Clan Tent at the Williamsburg Scottish Festival.

In Virginia, the Clan has only participated in Scottish Festivals in the northern Virginia area. I won’t have access to the Clan tent items that they have. So I will be setting up the Clan tent with its items on my own. What items of significance do you recommend I have there for visitors?

I have a pop up tent, tables and chairs. I have quite a bit of Malcolm tartan to cover the tables. A number of Scottish history books, kilt books etc., Scottish flags; Saltire and Rampant Lion. I have some great photos of trips I’ve made to Scotland visiting our ancestral area; meeting our chief, etc.

I’m planning to a get a Malcolm Clan tartan parade banner (single) from the Tartan Lady. The Clan has the MacCallum one. So I could even bring the Malcolm Clan crest banner to the other games the Clan is participating in. I don’t have any MacCallum tartan. I will need to make up a MacCallum Malcolm Clan Society sign.

On yes, I’ll have a bottle of single malt for a wee dram for XMarkers who drop by for a visit.

What else?

[ccga3359]

Sounds like you have everything in hand. You won't have a large space and you shouldn't overdo the clutter. As long as you can present the past and be able to field the many questions and direct those interested in learning more.

[James MacMillan]

Things to have, that I didn't see mentioned.

Sign-up sheet for visitors.

Information hand-outs. These can be general and specific. Don't put them on the table for all to grab - have them under the table for you to give out to those interested.

Contact business cards for those you meet that might want to talk about your clan or kilts or what-ever at a later date.

A few extra chairs for those that want to come in - sit down and shoot the bull.

Place your books and small items at the back of the tent - some weird individuals will try to rip off things, if it's easy to do.. (speaking from experience here) Don't bring priceless items!!!!

Photos are a great idea! Make sure all are protected in plastic.

If you display the Scottish flag - also display the US flag. Place them together! US flag on the right.

Depending on the venue - coffee, cookies, candy, sodas can come in handy.

Above all bring your tolerance and bright, happy attitude..... all else is secondary!

[Sheep In Wolf's Clothing]

Congrats on hosting a clan tent. I do as well, and it is a rather rewarding experience!! It seems you have all the bases covered and the recommendations that James gave you are spot on.
I just have one suggestion: Last year when I was at the Glengarry Highland games, I noticed that a clan table a few feet away had a battle axe and sword. I thought that it was a little over the top until I noticed that they brought them so children that were dragged there by their parents could look at them and have their picture taken with them. The kids loved it!! (Of course the blades were not sharp and it was well supervised.)
While I don't have a weapon for the kids to pose with, I thought it was a great idea to have something for kids at my booth. I might track down a few colouring pages and have a few little books made up for the kids who stop by. You never know, you might spark a child’s interest in their history!
Most of all have fun,
Sara

[Glen C]

I also host a clan tent. One of the things I find useful is that after placing down the tartan for table covering and arranging my pictures on the table top I cover it all with plexiglass. That way nothing blows away. Also if your clan has some kind of DNA project going on, try to get some info on that. Alot of people are really interested in that.

[Mael Coluim]

Thanks for the encouragement and great recommendations!

[MacMoose]

We've found that one of the most popular pieces we present at the Games is a clan map of Scotland. Even better, if you have several, spanning a time line.

The weapons idea does work. The kids (and in some cases, the ladies!) love it, and be prepared to pose for pictures. Of course, as mentioned, safety first!

We carry a lot of books. Everything from books on tartans to Scottish history, relevant books on American history (as it pertains to the Scots, Irish, Welsh, etc.), and I find coffee-table books full of photos of Scotland get a lot of attention.

We also find that shortbread and candy brings them in! I put out hard candy in several varieties, as well as a jar of licorice All Sorts, mainly for the adults...ok, and me.

I have lots of pics of our set up, if you want to see them (not that we have won much in the way of awards, but hey, we are a very small Clan!)

[Dirk Skene]

I highly recomend one of those books that lists septs & their accociated clans along with a concise information on clan histories. When someone comes up to your booth ask if they know their clan. If "no" then show them how to use the books. The greatest pleasure for me is watching teens devour the information in the books & ask questions. I had one young fellow (about 14) who had never heard of William Wallace. And he was a Wallace! The boy left with enormus (sp) pride ...... and a hundred questions for mom & dad

[thescot]

Be sure to have a copy of Blacks or Kith and Kin so people can look up names. They love to do that, and you'll be able to help folks, even if it's not your own clan to which they gravitate. For me, it's all about fun, education, and camaraderie.

And--you probably already know this--be prepared for all sorts of myths, misinformation, and assumptions by the folks who stop by. The more you know, the better. And be prepared to spring into action to sign up new members with forms and such. I've signed up lots of folks who had no original intention of joining when they first came.